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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLACAC - 1992-11-13LACAC\1992-11-13 LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES NOVEMBER 13, 1992 The Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee met this date, commencing at 12:05 p.m., under the Chairmanship of Alderman M. Wagner, with the following members present: Alderman T. Galloway, Mr. B. Bufe, Ms. S. Burke, Ms. L. O'Krafka, Mrs. G. Stoner, Mrs. P. Wagner, Mr. V. Tarbutt, Ms. S. Cragg, Mr. E. Bow, Mr. R. Fuller and Ms. M. Welsh. Ms. B. Buchanan was in attendance for part of the meeting. Others Present: Messrs. D. Parrish, T.B. Stanley, L. Bensason and G. Sosnoski. 1. MINUTES On a motion by Mrs. P. Wagner - It was resolved: "That the minutes of the regular meeting on October 9 and the special meeting on October 16, 1992 of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee, as mailed to the members, be accepted." 2. 400 KING STREET W. (KAUFMAN FOO'I'VVEAR) The Committee was in receipt of a report from the designation sub-committee dated October 26, 1992. Mrs. Wagner advised that the owner's representative has indicated he is no longer interested in designation at this time, which is contrary to comments previously made to the Committee. Mr. W. Dahms, Sims Clement, appeared on behalf of the owner and indicated that he had spoken with Mr. Wallace concerning the owner's willingness to register on title an instrument indicating that L.A.C.A.C. would be informed prior to any development or demolition of buildings on the site. He advised that this would bind subsequent owners and agreed to discuss the matter further with Mr. Wallace. Mr. Dahms stated that the owner is prepared to re-affirm his concerns and plans for Kaufman Footwear in accordance with the earlier presentation to L.A.C.A.C. He added that at present there are no immediate re-development plans and that the company is concerned with a wide range of factors relative to designation, including the building's structural stability. He advised that the company wishes to address designation at the time the property is re-developed and that Mr. Kaufman is personally committed to working with L.A.C.A.C. and the City to ensure an appropriate level of preservation. Mrs. Wagner asked that another tour of the site be arranged for the sub-committee and asked for permission to enter onto the property to take photographs. Mr. Dahms agreed to speak with the owner in order to address these concerns. Alderman Wagner indicated it was his understanding the owner is willing to allow investigation of the site to continue and to pursue designation as part of a long term development plan. Ms. B. Buchanan entered the meeting at this time. 3. FORMATION OF SUB-COMMITTEES Alderman M. Wagner indicated that he would await Council's appointments of the new Committee before striking any sub-committees. Mrs. Wagner expressed concern over dividing the Committee into smaller units and giving the impression that involvement in broader areas such as the designation process is not required. She also asked that the proposed Committee structure be clarified. Alderman Wagner responded that the sub-committees are intended to speed up the designation and other related processes. He clarified that involvement in a sub-committee does not exempt members from participating in the core areas of Committee involvement such as designation. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 69- NOVEMBER 13, 1992 PRIVATE CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARD HERITAGE PRESERVATION Alderman M. Wagner asked that he be contacted by Committee members having any thoughts on where privately donated funds could be used. Mrs. Wagner suggested plaques over and above those used in the designation process and certificates of merit. INSTALLATION OF HERITAGE PLAQUES The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. G. Sosnoski dated November 4, 1992 listing addresses where installation is on hold at the request of the Committee, where installation is proposed in the Spring of 1993 and where plaques have not be installed due to extenuating circumstances. Mrs. Stoner inquired as to the status of the Graber Place designation. Alderman Wagner replied that he has requested a meeting with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro but a date has not been confirmed. Mrs. Stoner asked for an explanation of the current status of the Bread and Rose Community Co- operative as regards the installation of plaques. Mr. Sosnoski explained that installation was deferred at the request of the Committee until such time as the exteriors of both buildings were restored to an acceptable level. A brief discussion took place and it was generally agreed that the plaques for 307 Queen Street S. (Bread and Roses Community Co-operative) be installed in the Spring. It was also agreed that Ms. S. Burke and Mrs. G. Stoner would discuss the possibility of a designation ceremony with the Co-operative Board of Directors as soon as possible and report back to the Committee at the December meeting. Mr. Fuller asked for clarification as to how heritage plaques are presently mounted and expressed concern over possible damage to the building fabric as a result of the installation process. Mr. Bufe and Mr. Sosnoski outlined the current process, indicating that where possible holes for the mounting of plaques are drilled in the mortar rather than the masonry unit in order to reduce the likelihood of damage to the building fabric. Ms. Burke expressed concern over the location of plaques and the deterioration to masonry units which may occur as a result of water penetration. Mr. Sosnoski explained that in the past representatives of the Parks and Recreation Department have been instructed to contact the owner and jointly arrange a suitable location which is visible from the street and will not be obscured in future by plant growth. He suggested that any preferred locations the Committee may have could be outlined in the designation report and communicated to both the owner and staff installing the plaque. It was generally agreed that Mr. Fuller would prepare a report on plaque installation and location options for discussion at a future meeting. With regard to the plaque for 39 Doon Valley Drive, Mr. Parrish advised that restoration is presently underway and that the plaque could be installed on the front wooden stoop in the Spring of 1993. It was agreed that Mrs. Wagner would contact Mr. Sosnoski to advise him of the appropriate installation date. The Committee was reminded that in the past staff were unable to install the plaque at 45 King Street W. as no suitable and secure location could be identified. They were also reminded that the owner of 37-39 King Street W. had indicated he did not wish to have a plaque installed. Ms. Cragg agreed to look into both installations and report back to Mr. Sosnoski. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Mr. Bensason advised that the Heritage Conservation District report has been revised as directed by the Committee and will be presented to the Planning and Economic Development Committee on November 16, 1992. Ms. M. Welsh will represent L.A.C.A.C. at that meeting. LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 70- NOVEMBER 13, 1992 UNFINISHED BUSINESS (cont.) The Committee reviewed a video presentation of the areas corresponding to the District report. Mrs. Wagner advised of recent discussions with the Planning and Development Department regarding work required to complete implementation of the Upper Doon Heritage Conservation District Plan. She asked that the Department consider zoning in the District and Mr. Stanley replied that this issue will be covered in conjunction with City's Comprehensive Residential Zoning By-law. Ms. Burke advised that both she and Mr. Tarbutt will continue to work on defining the proposed area for the Pioneer Park Conservation District. Mr. Stanley agreed that this sub-committee should work as quickly as possible and referred to a recent letter from the developer indicating that they plan to proceed in this area as quickly as possible. Mr. Bensason described a recent meeting with the Victoria Park neighbourhood residents concerning the proposed District. He noted that there was a small turnout and suggested that the Committee may wish to reconsider the priority ranking of this District as the neighbourhood is not immediately affected by development plans. Ms. Burke pointed out that the District would include some areas of Queen Street which are threatened. COMMUNICATIONS - DESIGNATED PROPERTY GRANT The Committee was in receipt of a report and related correspondence from Mr. G. Sosnoski dated November 4, 1992 advising of changes in Program funding. The report recommends that no further property grants be considered until such time as the Province confirms its funding commitment and the Committee generally agreed. Mr. Sosnoski pointed out that the two projects presently underway should proceed and that the funds already advanced by the Province will cover these but only part of the City's 1993 administration fee. Ms. Welsh advised of grants available through the Province for conservation district studies and Mrs. Wagner added that the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation has also funded these in the past. Alderman Wagner asked that Ms. Welsh investigate these initiatives further. CORRESPONDENCE - 1188 OTTAWA STREET S. The Committee was in receipt of a circulation notice relative to a zone change application. Mrs. Wagner referred to the proposed alterations and in particular the handicapped access ramp, noting that no mention was made to the Committee as to where this access point would be located. NEW BUSINESS Mr. Sosnoski advised that two designation reports were received after the agenda deadline and would be placed on the December 11, 1992 agenda. Alderman Wagner asked that Committee members view the properties at 132 Young Street and 67-69 Ahrens Street prior to the next meeting. Mr. Sosnoski also advised of a list of buildings submitted by Mr. Bufe which subject to a Committee resolution, are proposed for addition to the Heritage Inventory. Mr. Sosnoski advised of recent conversations with an individual who has expressed an interest in relocating selected buildings in the block bounded by Frederick, Lancaster, Bingeman and Samuel Streets to a site in the area of the Frederick Street Mall. It was noted that the Committee's response as to the architectural and historic merit of selected properties was requested. Alderman Wagner agreed to contact the individual. 9. NEW BUSINESS (cont.) LOCAL ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMM/TTEE M/NUTES - 71- NOVEMBER 13, 1992 10. 11. Mr. Sosnoski advised that Mr. D. Simpkens of the Waterloo County Board of Education had called asking for the Committee's response to proposed work at Suddaby School. It was noted that Mr. Simpkens had asked to meet a L.A.C.A.C. representative on site to discuss the intent of the by-law and the proposed work. It was generally agreed that Ms. O'Krafka would contact Mr. Simpkens and arrange a meeting. A brief discussion took place concerning naming of the Civic Square at the new City Hall. Ms. O'Krafka expressed the opinion that this issue should be addressed at a future meeting and Alderman Wagner explained the process the City is using to solicit and review suggested names. He asked that individual members submit these where appropriate. Ms. O'Krafka indicated that L.A.C.A.C. should make a collective statement based on their knowledge of local history and indicated her personal preference for the name Berlin Square. Ms. O'Krafka advised the Committee that the ground is being prepared for installation of new light standards in Victoria Park. She referred to the samples of light fixtures submitted earlier by the Parks and Recreation Department for the Committee's consideration. She pointed out that L.A.C.A.C. has not been notified as to the units selected and it is her understanding that high pressure sodium lighting will be used, which would not be appropriate for a heritage conservation district. She also referred to an unacceptable concentration of lighting in the Heins Avenue area. Alderman Wagner agreed to contact the Parks and Recreation Department and report back to the Committee at the next meeting. Committee members were asked to contact Mr. Sosnoski in the event they wished to attend the November 20 seminar at the University of Waterloo on Heritage Planning In An Urban Context. Mrs. Wagner advised the Committee that she is presently researching a property on Tilt Drive and will submit a recommendation to designate in future. She asked for help in this regard and Mr. Tarbutt agreed to assist. NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee will be held on Friday, December 11, 1992. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 2:15 p.m. G. Sosnoski Manager of Corporate Records/Assistant City Clerk